Military flags stolen from florist near Calverton National Cemetery

JENNIFER GUSTAVSON PHOTO | Below the National Floral Design sign in Ridge are the poles where thefts stole the shop’s military flags.

Five flags representing different branches of the military were stolen last month from a Ridge florist that services Calverton National Cemetery, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.

Two unknown men in their early 20s went to National Floral located on Middle Country Road after 11 p.m. June 28 and broke down five metal flag poles that stood on the side of the building and took the flags, police said. No arrests have been made.

Diana Casazza, whose parents own the shop, described the theft of the five-by-eight flags as “very disrespectful.”“Those flags were there to honor veterans,” Ms. Casazza said. “It’s sad.”

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While there has only been minor theft and vandalism to the shop since it opened in 1978, this is the first time flags were targeted, Ms. Casazza said. The family erected the flags a few years ago, she said.

The family, who installed video surveillance a few years ago, has footage of the suspects stealing the flags.

“At one point the guy looks directly into the camera,” Ms. Casazza said as she pointed to the hidden camera. “The whole thing is very disturbing.”

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One of the men is wearing a shirt that says “Navy.”

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1 (800) 220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.